While it is true that kids become more obnoxious and rude when they are teens - it does not mean they are allowed to be more obnoxious and rude and use being a teen as an excuse for that behavior.

As parents we do have to balance the changes in them with our own reactions by realizing that some of their behavior is due to them 'knowing it all' and us 'getting more dumb each day' - because that is really what is in their heads. Sometimes you just have to roll your eyes and shake your head because their thought processes are so skewed.

It is part of them becoming independent. What I found helpful is letting difficult child know that I truly pondered her thought or opinion and I still disagree AND it is OK to disagree. I tell her when she is my age she just might think differently.

Yes, it sure sounds like kt's gears are always cranking. Wouldn't you love it if you could read a "script" of their thought processes when they come up with those zingers? I think I would find it fascinating. To think that she obviously spent quite a bit of time working that out - and then planning how she was going to approach you with it!

Our difficult child is actually a bit afraid of becoming a teen because he has despised most teenagers he has come into contact with - they are mean, disrespectful and rude (his words) and he is afraid that at the stroke of midnight on his 13th birthday he will become all of those things, too.

Kt bug sure is a thinker, huh? Sounds like she's gonna keep your mind as sharp as a tack. lmao

Dazed, my easy child is one of those "got to have the last word" types. Didn't really notice til she hit the teens. Wasn't long til I would start cracking up over it. I mean please, when you see a normally very intelligent girl say something totally stupid just to insert the last word it can be funny if you let it. Add in that at the time easy child also loved to argue and she gave us ample opportunity to find the comedy in the situation. Eventually she joined in on the laughter.